No Room at the Inn
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem for a census. With no room at the inn, Mary gives birth to Jesus in a stable and lays Him in a manger.
Luke 2:1-7
Take the Luke 2 Quiz
Test your knowledge of this chapter
Explore Luke Chapters
Study all chapters of Luke
The Story
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem covered about ninety miles through difficult terrain. For a woman in the final stage of pregnancy, it would have been exhausting.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. But there was no room for them in the inn.
She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger—a feeding trough for animals.
The King of kings entered His creation in the humblest of circumstances. Not in a palace, but in a stable. Not in a cradle, but in a manger.
Baby Jesus Is Born
Kids Version
Mary was going to have her baby very soon. But she and Joseph had to take a long trip!
The king said everyone had to go back to their family's hometown to be counted. Joseph's family was from Bethlehem, so that's where they had to go.
It was a LONG walk—about 90 miles! Poor Mary rode on a donkey, her tummy very big with the baby inside.
Finally, they arrived in Bethlehem. But there was a problem. The town was SO crowded!
Joseph knocked on doors. 'Do you have room? My wife is going to have a baby!'
But everyone said the same thing: 'No room. Sorry!'
Finally, someone let them stay in a stable—a place where animals lived.
That night, in that simple stable, Baby Jesus was born.
Mary wrapped Him up snuggly in soft cloths. She laid Him in a manger—a box where animals ate their food.
The King of all kings was born in the humblest place. Jesus came for everyone—even the poorest and most ordinary people.
Ready to test your knowledge?
See how well you know this story from Luke.
Characters in This Story
Settings & Locations
Scripture — Luke 2:1-7 (KJV)
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. taxed: or, enrolled
2( And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Memory Verse
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. taxed: or, enrolled”
— Luke 2:1 (KJV)
Test Your Knowledge
How well do you know the story of “No Room at the Inn”? Take the quiz to find out.
More from Birth of Jesus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “No Room at the Inn” in the Bible?
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem for a census. With no room at the inn, Mary gives birth to Jesus in a stable and lays Him in a manger. This story is found in Luke 2:1-7.
Where is “No Room at the Inn” found in the Bible?
“No Room at the Inn” is found in Luke 2:1-7, in the book of Luke.
What can children learn from “No Room at the Inn”?
This story teaches children about Humility, God's surprising ways, Prophecy fulfilled. Mary and Joseph had to travel far to Bethlehem. When they arrived, there was no room for them! Baby Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger.